Instinct is an innate behavior that is typically fixed and automatic, while intuition is a feeling or sense that arises from our subconscious mind and can guide our decisions and actions.

What is instinct?

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Picture of a deer

Instinct is a natural, unlearned behavior that is characteristic of a species and is often triggered by specific environmental stimuli. It is an innate, genetically determined tendency that cannot be changed or controlled. Intuition, on the other hand, is a more complex form of cognition that relies on both instinct and experience. It’s the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. Intuition is often described as a ‘gut feeling’ or ‘sixth sense’.

What is intuition?

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Intuition is our ability to access and understand information that isn’t readily available to our conscious mind. It’s a “sixth sense” that allows us to make decisions, solve problems, and find creative solutions without necessarily knowing why or how we’re doing it.

Most of us have experienced a “gut feeling” or “hunch” at some point in our lives. This is our intuition at work. Intuition is often thought of as a mystical power or an untrustworthy emotion, but it’s actually a very real and useful tool that we can all learn to harness.

There are two types of intuition: Cognitive and Emotional.

Cognitive intuition is the kind of intuition that allows us to see patterns and make connections that we wouldn’t be able to consciously make. Emotional intuition is the kind of intuition that gives us a “gut feeling” about someone or something.

Both types of intuition are valuable, but they work in different ways. Cognitive intuition relies on our brain’s ability to process information quickly and unconsciously. Emotional intuition relies on our body’s ability to pick up on subtle changes in mood, energy, and physiology.

Most people prefer one type of intuition over the other, but it’s important to develop both types if you want to be fully intuitive.

Instinct Vs. Intuition – Key differences

Instinct and intuition are two distinct concepts, although they are often used interchangeably. Here are some key differences between instinct and intuition:

Nature: Instinct is a biological and innate response to a specific stimulus that is fixed and automatic. It is a pre-programmed behavior that is hard-wired in the genes of an organism. Intuition, on the other hand, is a feeling or sense that arises from the subconscious mind and is not related to any specific stimulus.

Function: Instincts are designed to ensure the survival of a species. They are automatic responses that help an organism respond to a threat or find food or shelter. Intuition, on the other hand, is a subtle feeling or sense that guides us in more complex situations. It can help us make decisions or solve problems that are not easily resolved through logic or reason.

Scope: Instincts are shared across a species and are largely similar from one individual to another. They are hard-wired behaviors that are inherited through generations. Intuition, on the other hand, is highly personal and subjective. It is influenced by our unique experiences, perspectives, and beliefs.

Awareness: Instincts are typically unconscious and automatic. They are triggered by specific stimuli and do not require any conscious effort or awareness. Intuition, on the other hand, is a conscious experience. It requires us to be aware of our feelings and senses and to pay attention to our inner voice.

While instinct and intuition may seem similar, they are distinct concepts with different functions, scopes, and levels of awareness. Instincts are automatic, biological responses to specific stimuli, while intuition is a more subtle feeling or sense that guides us in more complex situations.

How to develop your intuition?

If you want to develop your intuition, there are a few things you can do. First, pay attention to your gut feelings. If you get a strong feeling about something, trust it. Second, practice meditation and mindfulness. This will help you clear your mind and be more in tune with your intuition. Third, keep a journal and write down your dreams and intuitions. This will help you track your progress and see how accurate your intuitions are. Finally, don’t be afraid to follow your intuition even if it goes against what others think or what seems logical. Trust yourself and go with your gut.

What is a gut feeling in relation to intuition?

A gut feeling is an intuition or hunch that you have about something. It’s a feeling that you get in your gut that tells you something is right or wrong, good or bad. It’s often a hard feeling to explain, but you just know it.

What are an examples of intuitions?

There are many examples of intuitions, but some common ones include knowing who to trust, feeling when something is wrong, and sensing when someone is in danger. Other examples include:

  • Hearing a noise in the night and knowing instinctively that it’s a burglar
  • Realizing you’ve been scammed after getting a funny feeling about the person you were dealing with
  • Knowing that you’re about to get sick before any symptoms appear
  • Sensing danger before you can see or hear anything

What are an examples of instincts?

There are many examples of instincts. Some common examples include the fight-or-flight response, which is an innate survival mechanism that kicks in when we feel threatened; the urge to mate and reproduce, which is a strong instinctual drive in most animals; and the need to care for young, which is an instinctual parenting behavior.

There are also some less common examples of instincts. For example, some animals have an instinctual ability to navigate by using the stars or the sun. Additionally, some animals have what is known as homing instincts, which enable them to find their way back to their home territory even if they are displaced far away from it.

What are the three types of instincts?

Instincts are hardwired, innate behaviors that help us survive. They are triggered by specific environmental stimuli and do not require conscious thought to execute. Intuition, on the other hand, is a more subtle form of guidance that often comes in the form of a hunch or “gut feeling”. Intuition is based on our accumulated life experiences and helps us make decisions when we are faced with complex situations.

There are three main types of instinct: the Fight-or-flight response, Feeding behaviors, and Mating behaviors.

The fight-or-flight response is our body’s natural way of protecting us from danger. It is characterized by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration as well as a release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. This response allows us to either confront or escape a threat.

Feeding behaviors are instinctive actions that help us find and consume food. These include chewing, swallowing, and digesting food as well as vomiting when we have ingested something poisonous.

Mating behaviors are also innate and serve to propagate the species. They include courtship rituals, sexual intercourse, and parental caretaking behavior like nesting and providing food for offspring.

 

Featured Image By – Jan Gustavsson on Unsplash

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